What you need to do to transfer a car to someone else

Transferring car ownership means signing over the title document to a new owner. The process differs by state, but the core steps are the same everywhere: you sign the title in the spaces marked for the seller, the buyer signs in the spaces marked for the buyer, and you both submit the signed title to your state's DMV along with a few supporting documents. The buyer then registers the car in their name. Most states let you complete this at a DMV office, by mail, or through an online portal — check your state DMV website to see which methods are available where you live.

The person receiving the car (the buyer) is responsible for registering it in their name within a set timeframe, usually 10 to 30 days depending on your state. Until they do, you remain the registered owner on record, which means you could receive tickets or liability notices for that vehicle. This is why it matters to complete the paperwork promptly and keep a copy for your records.

Key Takeaways

  • You must sign the title document in the seller's section and have the buyer sign in the buyer's section before either of you submits it to the DMV.
  • The buyer is responsible for registering the car in their name within 10 to 30 days (the important date varies by state), and you should not drive the car after the sale is complete.
  • You will need the original title, a bill of sale (required in some states), and proof of identification; some states also require an odometer reading or emissions test results.
  • Check your state DMV website to learn whether you can transfer the title by mail, online, or only in person, because the process and required documents vary.
  • Keep a copy of the signed title and bill of sale for your records in case questions arise about the sale later.

Gather the documents you need before you sign

The title document itself is the most important piece. This is the official certificate of ownership issued by your state DMV. Look for it in your files — it should be a multi-part form with your name printed on it. If you cannot find it, contact your state DMV and request a duplicate; this usually takes one to two weeks and costs a small fee (typically $5 to $25, depending on your state).

Next, check whether your state requires a bill of sale. A bill of sale is a written record of the sale that includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date, and the signatures of both buyer and seller. Many states do not legally require one, but it protects both of you by creating a paper trail. You can find a template on your state DMV website or use a generic form — the exact format matters less than having the key information in writing. Some states do require it; check your DMV website to be sure.

You will also need a valid government-issued photo ID (a driver's license or passport). Some states require the odometer reading at the time of sale, especially for vehicles under a certain age. A few states require proof that the car passed an emissions test within a set timeframe. Your state DMV website lists all required documents for your specific situation.

Sign the title in the correct sections

The title form has designated spaces for the seller and buyer to sign. Sign only in the section labeled for the seller — do not sign anywhere else on the form. The buyer must sign in the section labeled for the buyer. Both signatures must be in ink (not printed or stamped). Some states require the signatures to be notarized, meaning a notary public must witness them and stamp the form; your state DMV website will tell you whether this is required.

Before you sign, make sure the buyer's name is spelled correctly on the title. If it is not, you may need to contact the DMV to have it corrected before the buyer can register the car. Also check that the odometer reading (if your state requires it on the title) is accurate. Once you sign, you cannot change these details without starting over with a new form.

Do not sign the title until you and the buyer are ready to complete the transfer. A signed title is a legal document, and signing it early can create confusion about who owns the car.

Submit the signed title to the DMV

After both you and the buyer have signed, one of you needs to submit the completed title to your state DMV. Some states allow the seller to submit it; others require the buyer to do so. Check your state DMV website to learn who is responsible. You can usually submit by mail, in person at a DMV office, or online through your state's portal — again, check your state website to see which options are available.

If you are mailing the title, send it to the address listed on your state DMV website for title transfers. Include all required documents (the signed title, bill of sale if required, proof of ID, and any other documents your state lists). Send it by certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof it arrived. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

If you are submitting in person, bring the original signed title, your ID, and any other required documents. The DMV staff will review everything and tell you if anything is missing. If you are using an online portal, you will upload images of the signed title and supporting documents; make sure the images are clear and legible.

Understand what happens after you submit

Once the DMV receives the signed title, it processes the transfer and updates its records to show the new owner. This usually takes one to three weeks, though it can take longer if documents are missing or unclear. During this time, you are still the registered owner on record, even though you have signed the title over. This is why it is critical that the buyer registers the car promptly — if they do not, and the car is involved in an accident or receives a ticket, you could be held liable.

The buyer must register the car in their name within the timeframe set by your state (usually 10 to 30 days). They do this by submitting their own registration form to the DMV, along with proof of insurance and payment of registration fees. Once they register, they receive a new registration certificate and license plates (or can keep the existing plates, depending on your state's rules).

You should receive a confirmation from the DMV showing that the title has been transferred. Keep this confirmation with your copy of the signed title and bill of sale. If you are later contacted about the vehicle, you can use these documents to prove you no longer own it.

Handle the title if there is a lien or loan on the car

If you still owe money on the car — meaning a bank or lender holds a lien on the title — the transfer process is more complicated. The lender's name appears on the title document. You cannot transfer ownership to the buyer until the lien is removed, which usually means paying off the loan first.

If you are paying off the loan as part of the sale, contact your lender and ask them to send you a lien release letter or a new title with the lien removed. This can take several days. Some lenders will send the lien release directly to the DMV. Once the lien is removed, you can sign the title over to the buyer and proceed with the transfer as described above.

If the buyer is taking over the loan (which is rare and requires the lender's permission), the lender will handle the paperwork to transfer the lien to the buyer's name. This is a separate process from the title transfer and requires the buyer to be approved by the lender.

Avoid common mistakes during the transfer

One of the most common mistakes is signing the title before you and the buyer are both ready to complete the transfer. A signed title can create legal confusion about who owns the car, so wait until you are at the point of actually submitting it to the DMV.

Another mistake is not keeping a copy of the signed title and bill of sale. If a question arises later — for example, if the buyer does not register the car and it receives a ticket — you need proof that you transferred ownership. A copy of the signed title is your protection.

A third mistake is not checking your state's specific requirements before you start. Some states require notarization, some require a bill of sale, some require an odometer reading on the title itself, and some require emissions test results. Missing any of these can delay the transfer or cause the DMV to reject your submission. Spend five minutes on your state DMV website before you sign anything.

Finally, do not assume the buyer will register the car promptly. Follow up with them after a week or two to confirm they have submitted their registration. If they have not, remind them of the important date — if they miss it, your state may send you notices or hold you liable for violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a bill of sale if I am transferring the car to a family member?

It depends on your state. Some states require a bill of sale for all transfers, including gifts to family members. Others do not require it but strongly recommend it because it creates a record of the transfer. Check your state DMV website to see whether it is required. Even if it is not required, creating one protects both of you by documenting that the transfer happened and when.

What if I lost the original title?

Contact your state DMV and request a duplicate title. You will need to provide proof of ownership (such as a registration certificate or insurance documents) and your ID. There is usually a fee of $5 to $25. The DMV will mail you a new title, which typically takes one to two weeks. You can then sign this new title over to the buyer and proceed with the transfer.

Can I transfer the title if the car has an outstanding loan?

Not until the loan is paid off or the lender releases the lien. The lender's name appears on the title, and you cannot transfer ownership while they hold a lien. Pay off the loan or ask the lender to send a lien release letter to the DMV. Once the lien is removed from the title, you can sign it over to the buyer.

What happens if the buyer does not register the car after I sign the title?

You remain the registered owner on record until they register it in their name. This means you could receive tickets, toll notices, or liability claims for that vehicle. Follow up with the buyer to confirm they have registered the car. If they do not register within the state important date (usually 10 to 30 days), contact your DMV to report that you have transferred ownership and provide a copy of the signed title as proof.

Do both the buyer and I need to go to the DMV to transfer the title?

Not necessarily. Most states allow you to mail in the signed title or submit it online. Some states require the buyer to submit it; others allow the seller to do so. Check your state DMV website to see who is responsible and which submission methods are available. If you are mailing it, send it by certified mail and keep a copy for your records.